2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle that often drew comparisons to high-end models like the Lamborghini Urus. Its exterior design was bold and aggressive, featuring a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and a distinctive front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille. The Blazer's styling was a departure from Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a more dynamic and memorable appearance. However, the interior did not match the exterior's flair, with a low-rent feel and materials that seemed below par for its price range. The cabin was predominantly black unless upgraded to the saddle tan leather available on the Premier trim, and the overall design felt dated compared to competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator exuded elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. The exterior was defined by simple rectilinear shapes and tasteful chrome accents, creating a classy and sophisticated look. The interior was a testament to luxury, with seven colour palettes and high-quality materials. The Navigator's cabin was spacious and well-appointed, featuring Perfect Position seats with 30-way adjustability and a modern, minimalist design. The attention to detail and refinement in the Navigator's interior set it apart from other large SUVs, making it feel worth its premium price tag.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada, with the base being a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The preferred engine was the 3.6-litre V6, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, providing a strong and agile driving experience. The Blazer's sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering worked harmoniously, offering a surprisingly engaging drive for its segment. However, the transmission calibration had issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode that detracted from the overall sporty promise. Fuel consumption ratings were average, with the AWD V6 achieving 12.0 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.5 combined.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying sound. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms, but its fuel efficiency was poor, averaging 13.8 L/100 km combined. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, it lacked the sophistication of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in handling, the Navigator's power and refinement on the highway were commendable.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height was offset by seats mounted lower into the floor, facilitating easy entry and exit. However, visibility was compromised by poor sightlines, a trade-off for its sporty design. The Blazer offered 1,818 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 864 litres when raised. It had a towing capacity of up to 2,041 kilograms with the right configuration. The Blazer's controls were user-friendly, with features like movable rings around air vents for temperature adjustment and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seating. Its boxy shape maximized cargo space, offering 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 behind the second, and 2,925 in total. The Navigator L variant provided even more storage capacity. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with extensive adjustability and massage functions. Visibility was excellent, thanks to large windows and a high driving position, though parking could be challenging due to its size. The Navigator's interior was luxurious and well-equipped, though some features like electrically reclining second-row seats were absent.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, offering a user-friendly interface with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RS trim added wireless phone charging, LED headlights, and advanced safety features. The infotainment system included a "Plus" version with navigation and app integration, allowing for cloud-based settings transfer between GM vehicles. The system's privacy settings were a thoughtful addition, providing transparency on data collection.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt outdated compared to newer systems, lacking wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. Despite these limitations, the software was intuitive, with fast voice recognition and a unique Lincoln interface. The Navigator offered wireless device charging and smartphone-based ignition, along with a rear entertainment system featuring Roku streaming. Drive mode animations added a touch of elegance to the instrument panel, though the overall tech package felt simpler than some competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with standard driver assist features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its headlights were rated poorly by the IIHS. The Blazer lacked semi-automated driving functions and rear emergency braking, but offered enhanced forward emergency braking on top trims.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator also received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts were a unique safety feature. However, the Navigator's adaptive cruise control did not offer advanced lane-keeping capabilities.